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Appalachian Regional Commission

          
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        Appalachian Region
              Data Overview of the Appalachian Region
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    HomeGrants and Opportunities

        
      
Grants and Opportunities
	
	
				
	
	
	ARC uses Congressionally appropriated funds to invest in the Region’s economic and community development through grants. In Fiscal Year 2021, Congress appropriated a record $180 million for the Appalachian Regional Commission. As part of our unique federal-state partnership, ARC’s grant application process begins at the state government level. All ARC grants align with the investment priorities outlined in our current Strategic Plan and reflect state plans and strategies.

ARC also issues specific Requests for Proposals for research and evaluation contracts on topics directly impacting economic development in the Appalachian Region.





	


  
How It Works
          
                      Every ARC investment meets one or more of our strategic investment priorities and yields measurable results. Learn about our different grant opportunities and next steps potential applicants must take.
          
                      Learn More




	



Funding Opportunities    
    
    Area Development Program
          ARC’s Area Development program empowers Appalachian communities to work with their state governments to design impactful projects that will strengthen infrastructure, businesses, the workforce, and more.
																	
										
			

  Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies
          Through ARISE, ARC aims to drive large-scale, regional economic transformation through multi-state collaborative projects across Appalachia.




	



Investments Supporting Partnerships in Recovery Ecosystems Initiative
          ARC’s INSPIRE Initiative addresses the substance use disorder (SUD) crisis in Appalachia by creating or expanding recovery ecosystems that will lead to workforce entry or re-entry.
																	
										
			

  Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization Initiative
          ARC’s POWER Initiative targets federal resources to communities affected by job losses in coal mining, coal power plant operations, and coal-related supply chain industries.





	


  
Federal Partnership          
                      Workforce Opportunities for Rural Communities
          
                      Through WORC, ARC partners with the U.S. Department of Labor to provide training and support activities to dislocated workers, new workforce entrants, incumbent workers, and individuals affected by substance use disorder.
          
                      Learn More




	



Capacity Building Opportunities    
    
    Academies and Institutes
          ARC hosts academies and institutes in STEM and entrepreneurship education, applied research, and community leadership. Through these opportunities, participants build networks, skills, and an enduring commitment to Appalachia’s future.

      Students studying at university library with books open
																	
										
			

  READY Appalachia
          READY Appalachia is ARC’s capacity-building initiative offering flexible funding to community and economic development organizations, and free training to the Appalachians that work for them.




	



Additional Opportunities    
    
    Access to Capital Program
          ARC’s Access to Capital Program is firmly rooted in a long-standing commitment to building Appalachian businesses and entrepreneurial ecosystem.
																	
										
			

  Appalachian Regional Energy Hub Initiative
          Appalachia is well positioned to strengthen regional economies by investing in its energy resilience.

      Inclined plane above the city of Johnstown, PA




	



J-1 Visa Waivers
          Under certain conditions, ARC will consider recommending a waiver of the foreign residence requirement on behalf of physicians holding J-1 Visas in Health Professional Shortage Areas.
																	
										
			

  Local Access Road Program
          ARC’s Access Road Program provides financing to link communities, businesses, and residents to the Appalachian Development Highway System and other key parts of the Region’s transportation network.

      Country road near barns





	


  
Contract Opportunities
          
                      Throughout the year, ARC issues Requests for Proposals seeking contractors to support research, evaluation, capacity-building initiatives and more.
          
                      Read the RFPs

Grant Resources

Applicants and current ARC grantees can explore our resource list for application checklists, project guidelines, payment and reporting forms, and more.



Applicant Resources

          Please use these resources if you’re applying for an ARC grant award.



Grantee Resources

          Please use these resources if you have received an ARC grant award.





	


  
ARC Grants Manual Training
          
                      Learn more about the ARC Grants Manual by watching this 4-part series on project management, recordkeeping, audits, and more.
          
                      Learn More




	



State Partners
          The first step in applying for an ARC grant is to contact your state program manager.
							

  State Plans and Strategies
          State Development Plans and Annual Strategy Statements guide ARC investments in the 13 Appalachian states.
							

  Appalachian States
          Learn more about ARC’s investments, research, data, contact information, and more for each of Appalachia’s 13 states.





	



Related Content    
    
    ARC’s Investment Priorities for Appalachia

      Entrepreneur in a manufacturing facility
																				
								

  Match Requirements for ARC Grants

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